KITSAP COUNTY CONSOLIDATED HOUSING AUTHORITY WINS NEW GRANT
TO HELP FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
For specific information on how this grant will be used, contact Deborah Howard, KCCHA, at (360) 535-6151

SEATTLE - This week, Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority (KCCHA) was awarded a new grant of $100,000 to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and obligations under federal, state, and local fair housing laws. KCCHA was one of 102 organizations selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive part of the $18.1 million in grants awarded nationally to help reduce housing discrimination through the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP).

KCCHA was awarded an Education and Outreach grant. Other organizations in the Northwest to receive FHIP grants this year are:

• Idaho Legal Aid Services, Boise
• Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Portland
• Fair Housing Council of Oregon, Portland
• Fair Housing Center of Washington, Tacoma
• Northwest Fair Housing Alliance, Spokane

"These grants will help us continue our efforts to educate the public and housing industry about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act," said Kim Kendrick, HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "No one should be denied the opportunity to live where they want because of how they look, or the religion they practice, or because they have a disability."

HUD received applications from 268 groups seeking grants, a 7 percent increase over fiscal year 2005. Of that group, 102 winners were chosen based on a number of criteria, which included the demonstration of results and program evaluation. A complete list of grantees can be found at www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/partners/FHIP/FY2006FHIP.pdf.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at (800) 877-0246. Additional information is available at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.

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